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Medical Devices Directive The Medical Devices Directive
covers the regulatory requirements of the European Union for Medical Devices. Active implantable devices (e.g. pacemakers, implantable infusion pump) are covered by a separate directive, the
Active Implantable
Medical Devices Directive.Compliance with the requirements of the Medical Devices Directive is declared by placing the
CE Marking
on the product, and supplying the device with a Declaration of Conformity.
The routes to compliance depend on the
classification of the product. (Note that the full classification rules are given in Annex IX of the Medical Devices Directive). Class I devices are low risk. Examples are
stethoscopes, hospital beds, wheelchairs. The manufacturer has to produce a
technical file, including product test results to relevant standards. In addition,
manufacturers of sterile products and devices with a measuring function must apply to a Notified Body for certification of the aspects of manufacture relating to
sterility or metrology.Class IIa are low-medium risk devices, with examples such as hearing aids, electrocardiographs, ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. As for Class I, the
manufacturer produces a technical file, but in addition a conformity assessment must be carried out by a Notified Body, according to one of the following
routes (at the manufacturer's choice):
- Examination and testing of each product or homogenous batch of products
- Audit of the full quality assurance system (EN 46001)
- Audit of the production quality assurance system (EN 46002)
- Audit of final inspection and testing (EN46003)
Class IIb are medium-high risk devices, with examples such are surgical lasers, infusion pumps (non-implantable), ventilators, intensive care
monitoring equipment. Routes to compliance are the same as for Class IIa, with the addition of Type Examination of the product by the Notified Body,
except for the full quality assurance route (EN 46001), where Type Approval is not necessary. Class III devices are high risk. Examples are balloon
catheters, prosthetic heart valves. Routes to compliance are:
- Audit of the full quality assurance system (EN 46001) and examination of the design dossier by the Notified Body
- Type Examination of the product together with
- examination and testing of each product or homogenous batch of products or
- audit of the production quality assurance system (EN 46002)
Most of the routes to compliance above require the involvement of a Notified Body. A Notified Body is
an organization appointed by the national accreditation authorities and "notified" to the European Commission to approve products covered by the Medical Devices Directive.
For all Classes a Technical File
must be prepared, demonstrating compliance of the device with the directive's essential requirements. Compliance can
be assumed by showing conformity to the appropriate standards listed by the European Union as
Harmonised Standards for the Medical Devices Directive.Products shipped must bear the CE marking to show  compliance with the directive. If a Notified Body is involved in the
approval, the number of the Notified Body must also appear adjacent to the CE marking. Additionally, the product must be shipped with a Declaration of Conformity, an
example of which appears below.
EC Declaration of ConformityCouncil Directive 93/42/EEC concerning
medical devices We (Name and address of manufacturer) Certify that the product described is in conformity with the
applicable provisions of Council Directive 93/42/EEC concerning medical devices.
(Name, type or model, lot, batch or serial no. etc.)
(Description)
(Name of Responsible Person) (Signature of Responsible Person) (Date) |
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